Punjab to Unveil Rs5.3 Trillion Tax-Free Budget for 2026-27 Fiscal Year
Punjab is set to present its tax-free budget of over Rs5.3 trillion for the 2026-27 financial year today during the 43rd session of the provincial assembly. Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will deliver the budget speech, outlining significant allocations for development projects, salaries, and pensions. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Assembly is scheduled to hold its budget session tomorrow in Quetta, with strict security measures in place.
The Punjab Assembly is scheduled to unveil its tax-free budget for the financial year 2026-27 today, June 16, 2026, during its 43rd session. Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will present the annual financial statement, along with the supplementary budget for the outgoing fiscal year 2025-26. He is also expected to introduce the Punjab Finance Bill 2026 and present notifications concerning amendments to Sections 5 and 76 of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012, in addition to the Fiscal Risk Statement.
The proposed budget outlines a total outlay exceeding Rs5.3 trillion. Punjab anticipates receiving approximately Rs4.4 trillion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, with provincial revenue collection estimated at Rs1 trillion. Key allocations include over Rs700 billion for development projects and Rs800 billion for the Punjab Finance Commission. An amount of Rs650 billion has been earmarked for salaries and Rs505 billion for pension payments. The proposed salary increase for provincial government employees is expected to align with the raise announced by the federal government.
The Annual Development Programme proposes 3,560 development schemes, allocating Rs493.25 billion for ongoing projects and Rs258.75 billion for new initiatives. Proposed projects include the establishment of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, the Mian Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology, and the Shehbaz Sharif Sports Complex in Kasur. Significant funds are also allocated for the Chief Minister’s Laptop Programme, Kisan Card, Livestock Card, and Parwaaz Card International Placement Programme.
In preparation for potential opposition protests, comprehensive security arrangements have been finalized for the Punjab Assembly budget session. Concurrently, the Balochistan governor has convened the provincial assembly’s budget session for tomorrow, June 17, 2026, at 4 pm in Quetta. The Balochistan Assembly Secretariat has announced stringent security and entry protocols, including a prohibition on both government and private armed security personnel within the assembly secretariat during the proceedings.
(Source: Dawn Pakistan)
